The DLR workers are contemplating strike action Pic: Wikipedia

Nearly 700 Docklands Light Railway (DLR) workers will be asked this week whether they want to strike over changes to working practices that are “wrecking industrial relations”.

The Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union are likely to announce their members decision on October 22, when the ballot closes.

Keolis Amey Docklands have been controlling the DLR since 2014 and have called the ballot “unnecessary”.

The disagreement centres on a number of key issues, including a “creeping culture of bullying and intimidation of staff” and  the “casualising” of important jobs across the network, according to an RMT spokesperson.

Mick Cash, RMT General Secretary, accused Keolis Amey Docklands of being “cheapskates” and operating in ways usually associated with the most “anti-union companies in the transport industry”.

He said: “Our members on the DLR are furious at the way in which KAD are trying to bulldoze-in some of the worst working practices and conditions.”

“We will not sit back and allow this culture to develop on this part of London’s transport network.

“The company should not underestimate the anger of the workforce and KAD’s abject failure to address these issues has left us with no option but to ballot for action.”

Kevin Thomas, managing director of Keolis Amey Docklands, said: “We are disappointed that the RMT union plan to ballot our employees.

“We are working to ensure we continue to deliver a normal and reliable service to DLR passengers every day.”

“We continue to meet with the union to actively seek a resolution to the issues they have recently raised.”

Keolis Amey Docklands are set to continue maintaining the DLR until 2021.